Elite Volcano Hike (From Kohala)

A trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is ‘a must’ for nearly all Big Island visitors. You could certainly try to create a do-it-yourself itinerary for a day trip to the park, but if you want to get the most out of your experience, traveling with a knowledgeable guide is the way to go. 

Sure, you could research the park’s attractions, natural history, volcanology, geology, flora and fauna on your own, but who has time for that? Instead, let a National Park Service certified guide take you to all the best spots and provide you with all the essential background  information -  the stories, in-depth information, and cultural context that will enhance your experience and your appreciation for the natural wonders all around you. 

And they’ll even pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel, so you can leave the driving to a pro too! 

Itinerary

You’ll travel from Kohala to Hilo via the iconic and picturesque Saddle Road, which stretches between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Just outside of Hilo, you’ll stop to explore Kaumana Caves. Kaumana is a massive lava tube created by Mauna Loa’s destructive 1881 eruption. After Kaumana, your driver will take you on a short drive along Hilo’s historic waterfront. 

After a quick stop in Hilo to pick up the day’s provisions, you’ll head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to continue the adventure. Your tour will include stops at the park’s must-see-attractions and a short, three mile hike into Kilauea’s Caldera. 

Halema’uma’u Trail Hike: At just under three miles, this will be your longest hike of the day.  Starting from just behind the historic Volcano House hotel, the Crater Rim Trail has long been used by adventurers to hike into Kilauea’s caldera since it was first established in 1846. The trail slowly descends about 425 feet to the caldera floor, which recently doubled in size during the 2018 eruption.

The trail begins with a walk through ancient tree ferns, which is a great place to spot native birds such as the yellow ‘amakihi and the red ‘apapane. The landscape gradually becomes more barren as you approach the caldera and you’ll encounter boulders which came to rest along the trail during past rock slides and eruptions. You’ll also spot some of the marks left behind by the earliest tourists and historical figures, dating back to the early 1850’s.

Once you reach the caldera floor, you’ll have an opportunity to take in the massive, steaming, 1,000 foot deep pit. You’ll then hike up out of the caldera, skirting around the edge via the Byron Ledge Trail. This is a fairly steep ascent, about 400 feet in under half a mile, but it offers sweeping views and plenty of places where you’ll want to stop for photos and catch your breath. And once you reach the top you’ll enjoy a rewarding view of the caldera below.

Next you’ll hike to Waldron Overlook and enjoy views of Pu’u Pua’i and Iki Crater. Then, you’ll return to the Volcano House via the Old Crater Rim Drive, a closed park road which is slowly being consumed by vegetation and lava flows. You’ll enjoy a short break and great views once back at the Volcano House. Then your guide will take you to some of the other amazing sites and activities that the park has to offer, including:

• Kilauea Visitor Center
• Nahuku Lava Tube
• Look for Pele’s tears and lava trees in the lava flow of Mauna Ulu
• Option to return to the park after dinner for lava viewing (if it is present and conditions permit)       

Meals: A picnic lunch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a dinner at a restaurant in Volcano Village, just outside of the park, are included in the tour. There are several meal options available for both lunch and dinner. (You’ll be asked to pre order during the checkout process when making your reservation).  

Schedule:  Tours run every Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Kohala area hotel pick-ups begin at 8:00 am, and guests can expect to return between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm.